We have cruised Carnival and RCCL multiple times this was our 1st MSC cruise. The Divina is beautiful and very comfortable. I have never been on a cruise line that carried such a diversity in passengers. There were at least 25 different languages spoken by just the passengers another 44 by the crew. Our Captain could speak about 20 languages and read another 5. It does seem to make some of the things you do seem to take a little long for all the translations but is so worth it. With the diversity in cultures they do an excellent job at the buffet trying to make sure there is something for everyone, so be adventurous and try new things. Don't forget its an Italian ship so you have to try the pizza! We loved and won all the trivia games, lol great way to make new friends. The only things I would change is the dining room food and service seemed a little bland and if your planning on staying connected during your trip their on-line plans are a waste of money, my husband an IT guy could not get connected most of the time so it is really not worth the Money. Also if you have built up points on other cruise lines MSC will match. Do it early it took ours over 3 weeks to go thru so we did not benefit on this cruise. But they took our diamond with RCCL and by status matching we started at their highest level - Black which comes with a whole list of benefits.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Buffet and specialties were Great, Dining room was bland. Bars and drink packages were great but would have loved to seen ciders other than Angry Orchard available.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
So much fun!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Games are Great. Music in different locations was good and easy listening. The shows were some of the highest quality we have seen, they are more visual because of the diversity of the group. Have never been able to get my husband to sit through a whole show, on this cruise he did 4!!! and enjoyed them.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Did not sail with kids but was checking it out for future with our Grandsons. Seemed good and the kids were having fun. but even without that there are thing for kids, they can join in trivia and Bingo as well as the show I especially liked the pool side movies under the stars the was child appropriate most nights.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
More formal than on other cruise lines. We were seldom called by name which could have to do with it being a more European ship. Also Room steward should have been more informative about room (you have to place a card (any car will work)in a slot device in the wall to make the lights work, but if you leave it in while you are out of the room it signals to the steward that there is some one there and they do not make up the room.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
best kept most beautiful ship I have every been on and this was just 2 weeks prior to it going into dry dock for some maintenance.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Room was comfortable and great. our state room was and aft one which we had never had one there before. Every one loves the idea of being able to watch as you sail off into the sunset. But you do not get the breeze that you would get from one of the side balconies which makes it a little warm to sit out during the day. And even though there is no breeze the huge props throw a lot of water into the air, so even on deck 8 we had salt residue during the day because the sun dried it so fast and at night it was just wet. So you can't rinse the salt off your dive gear and leave it on the balcony to dry or leave anything else as well.
Ship tip
There is a single elevator back towards mid ship that is almost always available. Don't rush to most things with the number of translations needed shows and Bingo never start on time. But the entertainment staff does make the wait fun if you do arrive on time.
There is a little thatched roof bar on the beach about 1/2 mile from the port (easy walk) you know you are almost there when you see the tent for the fishermen to clean the fish in. Go down and take a look you will see 2 and 3 ft. tarpon just swimming there waiting for scraps. then go to this bar. Get a drink to cool down but DO NOT LEAVE without ordering food (the fish is really Fresh!!! their cook has been with them 4 years and it is the BEST food you will every eat. And it has a great view. Don't leave without adding your name to the rafters.
You'll have a blast during the night life. Definitely check out al the shows and afterwards head to the Galaxy Club! Plenty of dancing, great music, and bartenders are awesome! We stayed as late as 3am some nights.
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